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NKGen Biotech(NKGN) - 2024 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2025-03-04 11:34
Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a loss of $33.2 million for the same period in 2023, with an accumulated deficit of $177.0 million as of September 30, 2024[240]. - Total net income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was a loss of $14,872,000, an improvement of $34,476,000 compared to a loss of $49,348,000 in the same period of 2023[268]. - The company experienced a $34.5 million increase in net loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the previous year[327]. Revenue and Product Development - No revenue was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, as the company does not currently have any products approved for sale[244]. - The company received IND clearance from the FDA for SNK01 in Alzheimer's disease on October 20, 2023, and began dosing participants in the clinical trial on December 28, 2023[236]. - In a Phase I clinical trial for SNK01, 30% of patients showed clinical improvement on the ADCOMS score compared to baseline, and 60% showed stable scores one week after the last dose[237]. - The Phase 2 trial for SNK01 in moderate Alzheimer's disease will involve 30 patients, with 20 receiving SNK01 and 10 receiving a placebo[238]. - The company presented Phase I clinical interim trial data for SNK02, showing 100% of patients demonstrated stable disease after eight cycles of treatment[239]. Expenses - Research and development expenses are expected to increase as the company continues to develop its platform and product candidates[246]. - General and administrative expenses are anticipated to rise due to ongoing costs of operating as a public company and establishing sales and marketing functions[253]. - Research and development expenses for Q3 2024 were $2,778,000, a decrease of $1,151,000 or 29% compared to Q3 2023[267]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $1,036,000 or 35% to $4,010,000 in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023[267]. - Total expenses for Q3 2024 were $6,788,000, a slight decrease of $115,000 or 2% from $6,903,000 in Q3 2023[267]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million, or 46%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, mainly due to a $3.8 million increase in professional fees[281]. Cash Flow and Financing - As of September 30, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $8 thousand and a working capital deficit of approximately $36.2 million[295]. - The company raised total proceeds of $2.6 million from Private Placement Agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2024[313]. - The company drew down $4.9 million from a $5.0 million revolving line of credit agreement, which is secured by all of its assets[307]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $13.9 million, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to $15.0 million for the same period in 2023[326][328][329]. - Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $13.9 million, a decrease of $10.1 million from $24.0 million in the same period in 2023[333][334][335]. Debt and Liabilities - The company incurred significant transaction costs related to the Business Combination and issued various financial instruments, including Senior Convertible Notes and warrants[235]. - The company had outstanding debts of $19.9 million as of September 30, 2024, which included a revolving line of credit with East West Bank[296]. - Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $2,188,000, an increase of $1,881,000 or 613% compared to $307,000 in the same period of 2023[268]. - Loss on issuance of financial instruments totaled $17.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to additional issuances made during 2024[287]. Going Concern and Future Outlook - The company expressed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern without securing additional funding[242]. - The company has expressed substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern due to ongoing net losses and the need for potential debt or equity financing[302]. - The company prioritized AD trials in 2024, leading to a significant reduction in overall research and development costs[269]. Fair Value and Financial Instruments - The fair value of the company's common shares was based on publicly listed share prices beginning October 2, 2023[349]. - The Public Warrants, SPA Warrants, and Deferred Founder Shares were classified as equity instruments, while the Senior Convertible Notes and various warrants were classified as liabilities[356]. - The fair value of liability-classified instruments includes Private Warrants, Working Capital Warrants, and 2024 Convertible Notes, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis[362]. - The estimated fair value of liability-classified warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes model, incorporating assumptions related to stock-price volatility and risk-free interest rates[364]. - The fair value of the 2024 Convertible Notes will be measured using a probability weighted scenario model starting April 1, 2024, reflecting changes in entity-specific assumptions[367]. Company Classification - The company qualifies as an emerging growth company and may rely on certain exemptions from public company reporting requirements for up to five years following its IPO[374]. - The company is classified as an emerging growth company until certain conditions are met, including achieving total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion[375]. - The company qualifies as a "smaller reporting company" with a market value of common stock held by non-affiliates plus gross proceeds from the Business Combination being less than $700 million[376]. - Annual revenue for the most recently completed fiscal year is less than $100 million, allowing the company to maintain its smaller reporting company status[376].
NKGen Biotech Announces Administration of First Dose of Troculeucel to Stroke Patient Under FDA-Cleared Compassionate Use Program
Newsfilter· 2025-03-03 13:00
Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has initiated the administration of troculeucel, an autologous NK cell therapy, to a stroke patient under a compassionate use IND approved by the FDA, marking a significant step in exploring its therapeutic potential in post-stroke treatment [1][3]. Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics, headquartered in Santa Ana, California [7]. Product Development - Troculeucel is a novel, patient-specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate, being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers. The WHO has assigned the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) "troculeucel" for SNK01, which is a significant milestone for the company [6]. Clinical Collaboration - NKGen is collaborating with Dr. Dimitri Sigounas and Dr. Amarendra K. Neppalli from George Washington University Medical Center to explore the potential of troculeucel in reducing chronic neuroinflammation and damage in stroke patients [3][5]. Clinical Assessment - The stroke patient receiving troculeucel will undergo regular independent assessments by Dr. Sigounas at GWU Medical Center to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness [4]. Research Insights - Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are identified as markers of brain injury, and previous trials have shown that troculeucel can cross the blood-brain barrier to reduce cerebrospinal fluid levels of these markers, indicating its potential to improve outcomes in stroke patients [5].
NKGen Biotech Announces Administration of First Dose of Troculeucel to Frontotemporal Dementia Patient Under FDA-Cleared Compassionate Use Program
Globenewswire· 2025-02-21 13:00
Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has initiated the administration of troculeucel, an autologous NK cell therapy, to a frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patient under a compassionate use IND approved by the FDA, marking a significant step towards potential treatment options for FTD patients with limited alternatives [1][3]. Company Overview - NKGen Biotech, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics, headquartered in Santa Ana, California [6]. Treatment Context - Approximately 60,000 individuals in the U.S. are currently living with FTD, with up to 40% of cases having a genetic component, such as the C9orf72 gene mutation present in the patient receiving troculeucel [2]. - There are currently no available treatments that can slow or halt the progression of FTD [2]. Research Collaboration - NKGen is collaborating with Dr. Mario Mendez and Dr. Jessica Rexach from UCLA to explore the therapeutic potential of troculeucel for FTD, with this initial administration being part of a broader effort to investigate NK cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases [3]. Scientific Insights - Previous studies have shown that troculeucel can cross the blood-brain barrier and improve levels of amyloid, α-synuclein, and tau proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer's patients, while also reducing neuroinflammation indicated by decreased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) [4]. - GFAP and tau proteins are consistently elevated in FTD patients, supporting the rationale for testing troculeucel in this population [4]. Future Directions - The administration of troculeucel is seen as a pivotal step towards developing effective strategies for immune cell modulation in FTD, with the potential to address currently incurable neurodegenerative disorders [4][5].
NKGen Appoints Dr. Anita Fletcher as National Principal Investigator for Phase 2a Troculeucel Trial Evaluating Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease with AdventHealth Orlando as First East Coast Site
Globenewswire· 2025-02-19 13:00
Core Insights - NKGen Biotech has appointed Dr. Anita Fletcher as the National Principal Investigator for its Phase 2a clinical trial of troculeucel, an enhanced autologous NK cell therapy for moderate Alzheimer's disease [1][2] - The trial aims to enroll patients with moderate stage Alzheimer's disease, where currently 30% of patients lack approved disease-modifying therapies [2] - The first clinical site for the trial will be AdventHealth Research Institute in Orlando, Florida [1] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics [12] - Troculeucel, the company's drug candidate, is a patient-specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic aimed at treating neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers [5] - The International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for troculeucel has been assigned as SNK01 by the World Health Organization, marking a significant milestone for the company [5] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 2a trial will utilize a cryopreserved product delivered at a high dose of 6 x 10^6 cells every three weeks for one year [4] - Previous Phase 1 trial results indicated that 90% of evaluable subjects had stable or improved composite ADCOMS scores at Week 11, with no treatment-related adverse events reported [8] Research and Community Impact - AdventHealth, the clinical site partner, has a robust research portfolio with over 675 clinical trials and studies in progress, demonstrating a strong commitment to community health [9] - The organization invested over $1.26 billion in community services in 2023, highlighting its dedication to improving healthcare access and quality [9]
NKGen Biotech Announces Publication of Phase 1 Troculeucel Clinical Trial Results for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-02-13 13:00
Core Insights - The Phase 1 clinical trial of Troculeucel showed stable or improved outcomes in 90% of subjects, with no drug-related adverse events reported [1][4] - Troculeucel therapy demonstrated a well-tolerated profile and beneficial effects on neuroinflammatory biomarkers and protein aggregate levels in cerebrospinal fluid [1][4] - A larger trial with higher dosing and duration is currently ongoing in the U.S. [1] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics [2][7] - The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker NKGN [7] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 1 trial involved 11 subjects (5 males and 6 females) with a median age of 79 years [4] - The trial utilized a 3 + 3 design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), with three dose cohorts receiving four doses at three-week intervals [4] - Despite 70% of subjects receiving relatively low doses, 90% had stable or improved composite ADCOMS scores at week 11 [4] Treatment Mechanism and Efficacy - Troculeucel therapy reduced neuroinflammation and positively affected brain protein aggregates, suggesting potential cognitive function stabilization or improvement [4] - The therapy's ability to degrade protein aggregates indicates possible therapeutic and disease-modifying benefits [4] Publication and Validation - Results from the Phase 1 trial were published in the journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, enhancing the credibility of the findings [2][4] - The publication provides comprehensive details on the trial's design, safety, efficacy, and biomarker assessments [3][4] Future Directions - NKGen is currently enrolling patients for a follow-up Phase 1/2a trial on Troculeucel in moderate Alzheimer's disease [5] - The company aims to advance the scientific understanding of Troculeucel as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases [4][5]
NKGen Biotech Announces Publication of Phase 1 Troculeucel Clinical Trial Results for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Newsfilter· 2025-02-13 13:00
Core Insights - The Phase 1 clinical trial of Troculeucel demonstrated stable or improved outcomes in 90% of subjects, with no drug-related adverse events reported [1][4] - Troculeucel therapy showed beneficial effects on neuroinflammatory biomarkers and protein aggregate levels in cerebrospinal fluid, with decreases in pTau181 and GFAP appearing dose-dependent [1][4] - A larger trial with higher dosing and duration has been initiated in the U.S. [1] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics [2][7] - The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker NKGN [7] Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 1 trial involved 11 subjects (5 males and 6 females), with a median age of 79 years [4] - The trial utilized a 3 + 3 design to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), with three dose cohorts receiving four doses at three-week intervals [4] - Despite 70% of subjects being treated at relatively low doses, 90% had stable or improved composite ADCOMS scores at week 11 [4] Publication and Validation - Results from the Phase 1 trial were published in the journal Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, enhancing the credibility of the findings [2][4] - The publication includes comprehensive details on the preparation of Troculeucel, preclinical studies, clinical trial design, and results [3][4] Future Directions - NKGen is currently enrolling patients for a follow-up Phase 1/2a trial on Troculeucel in moderate Alzheimer's disease [5] - The company aims to advance the scientific understanding of Troculeucel as a potential treatment option for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases [4][6]
NKGen Biotech Receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for Troculeucel for the Treatment of Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Newsfilter· 2025-02-12 13:00
Core Points - NKGen Biotech has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for its investigational therapy troculeucel, aimed at treating moderate Alzheimer's disease [2][3] - The Fast Track designation is designed to expedite the development and review process for therapies addressing serious health conditions and unmet medical needs [4] - NKGen is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 2a trial for troculeucel and anticipates sharing updated clinical data by the end of 2025 [3] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics [6] - The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and is dedicated to addressing serious medical conditions through its innovative therapies [6] Product Information - Troculeucel is an ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell therapy being developed for neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers [5] - The International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for troculeucel is SNK01, which has been approved by the World Health Organization [5]
NKGen Biotech Receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for Troculeucel for the Treatment of Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Globenewswire· 2025-02-12 13:00
Core Points - NKGen Biotech has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA for its NK cell therapy, troculeucel, aimed at treating moderate Alzheimer's disease [2][3] - The Fast Track designation is designed to expedite the development and review process for therapies addressing serious health conditions and unmet medical needs [4] - NKGen is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 2a trial for troculeucel and anticipates sharing updated clinical data by the end of 2025 [3] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer cell therapeutics [6] - The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and aims to address neurodegenerative disorders and various cancers with its therapies [6][5] Product Information - Troculeucel is an ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate, with the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) SNK01 assigned by the WHO [5] - The therapy targets the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease, which constitutes about 30% of all Alzheimer's cases, addressing a significant unmet need in the market [3]
NKGen Biotech Selected as Stalking Horse Bidder for NKMax
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2024-12-02 21:05
Core Viewpoint - NKGen Biotech has been selected as the preferred stalking horse bidder for NKMax Co., Ltd. in its court-managed rehabilitation process, which is similar to Chapter 11 in the US, and this acquisition is expected to secure global IP rights for NKGen, allowing commercialization of troculeucel in various markets [2][3][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - NKGen's proposal includes up to $18 million in committed funding from a third-party investor [2] - The acquisition process will involve a public offering, with NKGen having the final right of first refusal on any other qualified offers [2] - The final decision and rehabilitation plan approval by NKMax's creditors and the court is expected in February 2025, with closing anticipated thereafter [2] Group 2: Intellectual Property and Commercialization - NKMax currently holds master global rights to the intellectual property for troculeucel and other proprietary IP licensed to NKGen for markets outside Asia [3] - The acquisition is expected to consolidate global rights under NKGen, enhancing its ability to commercialize troculeucel for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases in Japan and South Korea [3][4] - NKGen aims to begin commercialization in countries where autologous non-genetically modified cell therapy is legal, including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico [4] Group 3: Company Background - NKGen Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer cell therapeutics [8] - NKMax, founded in 2002, is also a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in immune cell therapies and has a GMP-certified manufacturing facility [6]
NKGen Biotech Presents Phase 1/2a Troculeucel Data in Alzheimer's Disease at the 17th Annual Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) Conference
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2024-10-29 12:05
Core Insights - NKGen Biotech's troculeucel shows promise in reducing biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), potentially delaying or preventing dementia onset in asymptomatic individuals [1][4][5] - Preliminary results from a Phase 1/2a trial indicate that troculeucel is safe and effective, with 100% of subjects showing stable or improved cognitive function after treatment [2][6] - The company presented findings at the 17th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease Annual Meeting, highlighting the potential of troculeucel as a treatment for moderate AD [3][8] Biomarker Analysis - Troculeucel reduces levels of GFAP, NfL, p-tau181, GDF-15, and LTBP2, which are detectable up to 10 years before dementia symptoms appear [1][4] - In a recent study, 70% of subjects showed improvement in p-Tau181, 60% in the AB42/40 ratio, and 30% in NF-L after treatment [7] - The analysis suggests that increased screening for these biomarkers in asymptomatic individuals could identify those at high risk for AD [5][7] Clinical Trial Results - In the Phase 1/2a trial, three subjects received the highest dose of 6 billion cells, with two showing clinical improvement from moderate to mild AD after three months [2][8] - The treatment was well-tolerated, with no adverse reactions reported, and 90% of evaluable subjects experienced stable or improved cognitive function [5][6] - The ongoing Phase 2a trial aims to confirm the efficacy of troculeucel in a larger, randomized cohort [6][8] Company Overview - NKGen Biotech is focused on developing innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders and cancers [10][11] - Troculeucel, the company's lead product, is a patient-specific ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate [10] - The World Health Organization has assigned the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for troculeucel, marking a significant step towards commercialization [10]